Things To Do

Minnesota Zoo - Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

I have been WANTING to go to this since I moved to Minnesota in 2017 and I am going with Noreal and Hans on Monday Night of Wedding Week 2022.

Mall of America (free shuttle to/from hotel)

The Mall of America is touted to be one of the country's largest, boasting a sleek, well laid-out architectural style. Complete with retail outlets, restaurants and theme parks, this sprawling mall is home to 400 specialty stores, major department stores, Legoland, a flight simulation center, a movie theater and more than 50 dining options. MOA hours: Mon - Thurs.: 11:00am-8:00pm Fri. & Sat.: 10:00am-9:00pm Sun.: 11:00am-7:00pm The Embassy Suites provides a free shuttle to / from MOA for hotel guests. This shuttle departs from the front of the Embassy Suites to the MOA once an hour @ quarter past the hour. Example: 11:15am, 12:15pm, 1:15pm The hotel shuttle departs from MOA once an hour @ 25 minutes past the hour. Call 952-854-1000 when ready for a pick up. Example: 11:25am, 12:25pm, 1:25pm, etc. MOA pick up / drop off: North Side, Level 1 Monday - Thursday: Last shuttle to hotel: 8:25pm Friday & Saturday: Last shuttle to hotel: 9:25pm Sunday: Last shuttle to hotel: 7:25pm

Cafe Lurcat in Loring Park, MN

Noreal, my sister and Maid of Honor, and I went here for the first time in November 2021 when she helped me say "Yes to the Dress" at Che Bella Wedding Boutique right around the corner. Love the ambiance and the food was amazing. NOTE: It is a tasting menu, so the portions are small!!

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Hans took Noreal here for Thanksgiving 2021. In the 4 years I have been here in the MSP area, I have not yet visited the Sculpture Garden. #Bucket List

Walker Art Center

I hear this place is amazing...but alas, I have not visited yet. Update: 9.12.2022: Finally went there and that is the location where we took our Engagement Pictures on Sunday, September 4, 2022.

Minnesota State Capitol

Hans is a history buff and he says the building is absolutely gorgeous. I have not yet visited, but it is something I would like to do once the weather warms up here in Minnesota.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Minnehaha Falls

This is one of the first places Hans and I went for our first few dates. It was beautiful and they have a wonderful seafood eatery on property as well called Sea Salt! YUMMY

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Gooseberry Falls State Park is a state park of Minnesota, United States, on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The park is located in Silver Creek Township, about 13 miles (21 km) northeast of Two Harbors, Minnesota in Lake County on scenic Minnesota Highway 61. This park is home to the mammalian species of white-tailed deer, Canadian lynx, black bear, timber wolf, and marten. Fish that swim in the lakes are migratory salmon and trout. Bird watchers may see a variety of conifer-dependent birds, ravens, and herring gulls.

Duluth

Duluth has a population of 86,697, making it Minnesota's fifth-largest city and the center of Minnesota's second largest metropolitan area, with a population of 278,799. Duluth forms a metropolitan area with neighboring Superior, Wisconsin; together, they are called the Twin Ports. The city is named for Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut, the area's first known European explorer.

Nicollet Mall

I love the Nicollet Mall Area. I had no clue that The Mary Tyler Moore show was filmed here in Minnesota! (Ooops, my bad, it was filmed in Los Angeles but BASED in Minneapolis!) I have taken a picture by this famous statue!

Brit's Pub

Love this place. The first time I visited Minnesota was in 2013 for the ACUHO-I Conference when I worked at the University of North Texas as a Hall Director. Tanya, Lauren, Billy, Eric, Markus, Gosdin and I had the best time ever!!!

Keg and Case Market

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place. You can visit the large variety of unique and eclectic shops and then grab bite to eat (Pimento has amazing Jerk Chicken) and a beverage at the bar upstairs and then sit at a cozy couch on the 2nd floor. #FAVORITE PLACE

Betty Danger's Restaurant

I have been wanting to go here and ride on this Ferris Wheel and grab a bite to eat and Hans took me on Saturday, January 8, 2022, my dad's 83 birthday. I ABSOLUTEY LOVED THIS PLACE. The theme changes every 3 months and for January 2022, it was 1980's themed!!!

Nicollet Island Inn

Beautiful hotel and restaurant. Hans took me here in February 2021 for our very first Valentine's Day together. Cozy, romantic and the food was amazing!

Revival Restaurant

I was first introduced to this place in 2018. They are famous for their southern dishes which include mac and cheese, fried chicken, collard greens and chicken and waffles. Everything is AMAZING. They have locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul and St. Louis Park.

Handsome Hog

Love, love, love this place. They have the VERY best collard greens. Love the cozy ambiance. If you want to have a great experience and some amazing greens, go here!

Gay 90's Minneapolis / Drag Queen Bar

First time I went here was in 2013 when I visited Minnesota for the ACUHO-I Conference when I was working at the University of North Texas. My fellow Hall Director (Markus H.) and I had the ABSOLUTE BEST TIME at this place. We saw a Drag Queen Show and it was the best fun and entertainment EVER!!

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

This is another location that is on my "want to visit" list. I hear the food is amazing!!

Murray's

Murray's is a Minneapolis Institution. Rave Reviews from thousands of happy customers. Large portions. Amazing service. The best fine dining experience. Exquisite taste. It's on my "must go to" list.

Spoon and Stable

Spoon and Stable is a restaurant located in what was once a horse stable, dating back to 1906, in the heart of the North Loop Neighborhood. It is the dream of Chef/Owner Gavin Kaysen, a James Beard award-winning chef to bring his talents back home to Minneapolis, where he grew up. The cuisine is focused on the seasonality of the Midwest, the roots of the local culture and technically inspired by the French cuisine for which Chef Kaysen is known.

Nye's Piano Bar and Lounge

Hans and I recently went to Nye's Piano Bar for a date night. We had drinks at Nye's and "sang along" with the pianist and local singer. After that, we went next door to Sonder Shaker Restaurant for dinner (https://www.sondershaker.com/) where the food was absolutely amazing!

Lunds & Byerlys Northeast Minneapolis

Lunds and Byerly's is a local grocery store along the lines of Whole Foods. It really is an "experience" going here, more than anything. I just wanted to add it to the list of things to do as a possible option.

Orpheum Theatre

I have not yet been to the Orpheum, but creating this "Things to Do" page has really helped me get all of these "want to attend" locations in one place for future planning.

Pantages Theatre

I have not yet been to Pantages, but creating this "Things to Do" page has really helped me get all of these "want to attend" locations in one place for future planning.